This classic beginner friendly coffee cake is soft, buttery, and perfect for any occasion, with warm, homemade comfort in every bite.
Here is a another fan favorite, Pear Coffee Cake.
Why This Recipe Works
- Made with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
- Soft, buttery texture that stays moist
- Perfect for breakfast, merienda, or sharing with family
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter, which can make the cake dense instead of soft
- Using cold butter instead of softened butter
- Overbaking, which can dry out the cake
How To Store
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat before serving
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease the 9-inch cake pan. In a large bowl add eggs, oil, milk, vanilla extract and beat until well combined:
In another bowl add flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt and mix very well:
Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. If you want to use a stand mixer rather than a handheld mixer, you can:
Mix until well combined and the batter looks like this. Set bowl aside:
In another bowl, add brown sugar, and cinnamon, and mix well:
Add half the batter into the cake pan, then add half of the sugar-cinnamon mix:
Next, add the remaining batter on top of the sugar-cinnamon mix.
Lastly, top with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture:
Bake for 40-45 minutes or when a toothpick is inserted and comes out dry. After that, cool it completely and you are now ready to take it off the cake pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick & Easy Coffee Cake | Soft and Buttery Every Time
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup oil
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350, and grease the 9-inch cake pan.
- In a large bowl add eggs, oil, milk, vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
- In another bowl add flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and mix very well. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until well combined. Set bowl aside.
- In another bowl add brown sugar, cinnamon, and mix until well combined.
- Add half the batter into the cake pan and spread evenly on the pan.
- Add half of the sugar cinnamon mix and spread evenly on the batter using a fork.
- Next, carefully add the remaining batter on top of the sugar-cinnamon mix.
- Lastly, top with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or when toothpick is inserted and comes out dry.
Notes
Watch The Recipe Video!
Personal Experience
I’ve made this coffee cake multiple times, and it’s one of my go to recipes when I want something quick but still feels homemade and special. The texture comes out soft and tender every time, and it pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
Pair this with your favorite breakfast recipes like:
Maya says
did you add oil to the batter?
Lainey says
Hi Maya, Yes!
Wai chan says
No coffee added?
Lainey says
Yup, the cake is called coffee cake because you eat it with coffee. 🙂
Seth says
What's the size of the cake pan u used in your video?
Lainey says
Hi Seth, I used a 9 inch pan. 🙂
Hannah says
Hi, what volume is cup?
Lainey says
Hi Hannah, measuring the volume is a little difficult, however 8oz is 1 cup. Also check on google for a converter. 🙂
Victoria says
Hi ! I was wondering if we had to use oil or could I use melted butter instead ? Oil is the only thing I don't have ! Uggghhhh
Lainey says
It will change the texture of the cake! sorry 🙁
Victoria says
Oh wait ! What kind of oil is it ?
Lainey ;) says
I used Canola Oil! Sorry for the late response! 😉 Let me know how it turned out with you by taggin me on FB! <3 xx Happy baking Victoria!
Cath says
Great recipe! Keep it up!
Lainey says
Hi Cath! Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it. I hope you can try this easy and delicious recipe. Thanks for swinging by! 🙂
Michael Carlin says
Batter was very very thick. I live at 4100' elevation. Not sure if that is why. I just added some more half and half to thin the batter a bit. And I DID SUBSTITUTE all half and half instead of milk. Hope it turns out. I'll probably pour a little melted butter over to ensure moistness and perfect browning. Will wait to see how it looks after awhile.
Lainey says
Hey, Michael! Wow, I admire your passion for baking. It shows how you try to perfect the batter. Thank you so much for trying out one of my recipes.
Michael Carlin says
And the video and recipe differences I THOUGHT it was all brown sugar. Video only showed brown sugar. And didn't mention the oil. I thought it sounded dry. I added the oil. I only had the top and bottom layers though. And used a 9X12 PYREX DISH. BAKED at 390°F fot 10 minutes and reduces the temp to 350 °.
Stephany Nieto says
Made this last night and it came out delicious! This morning there was barely any left. I made it exactly as the recipe says but I did end up swirling the top with a knife . Definitely saving this recipe as a favorite. Thank you.
Lainey says
Yay. That's great, Stephany. It's good to know that you like this recipe. Thank you for giving this a try. I have more easy and delicious cake recipes that you can find here. I have you can try them, too. Enjoy!
Leanna says
I tried making this, but I’m sorry to say it just tasted like baking soda and was not good. I double checked that I measured everything correctly too! Maybe it needs a different amount or type of leavening?
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
Hi Leanna!
Oh no, I’m so sorry! Yes, it shouldn’t taste like baking soda at all. 💛 The baking soda taste maybe comes from slightly too much baking soda or it not fully reacting in the batter. Even a tiny bit extra can make it noticeable.
If you’d like, tell me what you used and I’m happy to help troubleshoot. I really want it to turn out perfectly for you next time!
Vanitha David says
I baked this cake just as the recipe says and, it turned out awesome. Thank you for sharing.
Lainey says
Yaay! You're welcome, Vanitha! I hope you can try my other recipes, too. Happy baking!
Nancy Ann Lewis says
Hi Lainey,
I just made your cake and added 2 cups of diced apple and it was delicious.
Thank you!
Lainey says
Oh, that's great, Nancy. It's good to know that you find this cake delicious. Thank you for trying out this recipe. I appreciate it!
Daniel says
MAKE THIS! was so easy and delirious, loved the use of oil (since i was out of butter lol)
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
Hi Daniel!
Awwwww I'm glad it turned out nicely for you. The oil swap is really a lifesaver, isn't it? Thanks for sharing your experience! 😁
zidane says
Coffee cake is a soft, tender cake often topped with a crumbly streusel, perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of coffee with its subtle sweetness and warm, comforting flavors.
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
I totally agree! There's almost nothing more cozy than that soft slice and buttery crumb of coffee cake. Yum! 🙂
Mia says
Still my favorite recipe to share and bring!
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
Hi Mia! I'm glad you like this recipe. See my other recipes in the blog, too 😁